How to Shoot TFP With Me
I get asked a bit for TFP shoots. If you want to shoot with me, here’s a bit of a FAQ.
(1) What is TFP?
TFP stands for ‘Time For Prints’ but these days, usually means ‘Time For Photos’ because people don’t print much. What that means is that everybody on the shoot gets paid…but not in cash. They get paid in photos. So it is important that everybody gets photos they want.
(2) Sounds good. What do I do if I want a TFP shoot with you?
Get in touch! But, remember, we need to get photos we both want. Take a look through my images on here – if my style does not suit you, maybe you should be looking for a different photographer. Feel free to contact any of the models credited on here – if you don’t like what they tell you, maybe you should be looking for a different photographer. Conversely, you have to be bringing something *I* want…if you’re an inexperienced model with no outfits and no concepts, I’m probably going to say ‘no’.
(3) I’ve got a concept, though.
That’s great! I’m happy to work through ideas with you. But remember – if your concept is “an angel flying away from a Ferrari crashing over a cliff” and you don’t have angel wings, a cliff or a Ferrari, you’re basically asking me to find all those things. In that case, I’m probably going to say ‘no’.
(4) What about your concepts, don’t you have any?
I certainly do. But I normally want a very specific look for each and tend to contact models that fit rather than the other way around.
(5) I don’t have a concept, but I’m an amazing model.
Sounds good! Send me a link to your portfolio. Make sure it has all your best shots. If I see stuff from only one or two shoots, or with no credits to photographers so I can’t check your references, I’m probably going to say ‘no’.
(6) So how many images to I get and when?
Generally, I edit up the best 2-3 of each look. For your average TFP shoot, that’s 10-15 images. I take 1-2 hours of editing per photo and have to fit it around paid work, so it takes me up to two weeks to do. So, 10-15 in two weeks. If it’s a very special concept where we’re basically trying to get one particular photo, then it could just be one image. But nobody wants five images the same in their portfolio, anyway. I provide images in small size (for web) and giant-huge size (for printing out), all without watermarks.
(7) Do you provide a make-up artist?
Maybe. If the concept is interesting to any MUA I know, they might be willing to work on a TFP basis – but we’d have to make sure we get photos THEY want, as well. If I can’t sort an MUA, your choice is either do it yourself, or pay for one.
(8) How long is the shoot?
Generally, around 4-5 hours. Can be longer, can be shorter. The aim is to get the absolute most out of the day.
(9) Shoot is done and it went great! How do I make sure you want to work with me again?
Easy. Be professional. Communicate well pre-shoot and turn up on time with the outfits we’ve discussed and you’re 90% of the way there. If you’ve practiced poses and expressions and can take direction, that’s the other 10%.
(10) I’m inexperienced, have no concepts, no locations, I just want some photos. What do I do?
In that case, the easiest thing is to hire me. My rates are reasonable, for which we shoot in a variety of lighting conditions, indoors and outdoors, under natural light and studio light. The idea is to give you 10-15 photos that show off your range and look like you’ve done a load of different shoots. If you’re paying, I’m happy to help you with posing and expressions and will shoot whatever style you want!
